Located at 2323 Michael Drive in Newbury Park, Creative Castle is a full service retail bead store with a full line of beads and beading products. Classes, private sessions and special events like trunk shows also offered. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary. Visit www.creativecastle.com or call 805.499.1377 for more information.

I stopped by on a Saturday morning to check out the shop. My jaw dropped when I saw how many different types of beads and decorative items packed the store. There was a large room in the back completely full of folks beading together. Looked like a lot of fun.

Not being a "beader" myself, I asked if I could bring the kids in and create something for mom, getting help as we go. The answer was, of course we can. There were several nice employees ready to help us out.